Exactly what is the definition of survival of the fittest?

Why...

Is it always portrayed in the media that only ‘Tarzans’ can survive in the post apocalyptical  jungle? What exactly do people mean by survival of the fittest anyway? I am prepared to admit most of the contestants on Gladiator could run circles around me (or trapeze above me waiving a giant Q-tip trying to knock over another contestant) but how much use would they be in a post apocalyptic Armageddon? Without whitening toothpaste and an endless supply of spandex, not much. In fact the gap between dumb as dog-slobber and super smart seems to double every 5 years. Technology has made dimwits of 99% of us. I mean how many reading this actually knows how a smart phone works, yet I suspect 200 years ago, 99% of us understood how to make smoke signals. And what skills would we need to survive? I suppose that depends on the environment of survival. If it’s all 1984 or even Terminator, being a geek looks a good bet. Q rather than 007. Planet of the Apes apocalypse and I suspect being able to run fast is critical, as is having an endless supply of nuts. A post nuclear disaster, I’d suggest being a welder who can whip up a lead suit to keep radiation out is a plus or a decent cook if you have to spend eternity in a bunker.

...and another thing

A great deal of fuss is made about fitness. Fitness is for the young to flaunt. They wave washboard stomachs and gravity defying boobs at each other to attract people for sex. Let’s be honest. Being toned and fit is all about oneself. “Look at me. I am devastating… stamina wise and in bed. Just don’t ask for a conversation.”

Frankly I thought Arnie in his prime looked like a condom stuffed with walnuts, but to each his own.

However, it takes a huge amount of commitment to keep this up forever. Frankly I am not advocating looking like a TeleTubby but do I really want to spend an extra year spinning around this planet but have to give up crumpets, caviar, cake, Coke, chocolate, Chardonnay, cream… let alone everything else in the other letters of the alphabet? No. Hunter S. Thompson got it right.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke thoroughly used up totally worn out and loudly proclaiming what a ride.” Could have been written for Keith Richards.

...and another thing

I think the common denominator for being fit to survive ain’t brains. It ain’t brawn. It’s humour. If you can laugh at your situation whatever the circumstances, you’re a survivor. Just don’t tell Arnie what he looks like. He might not see the joke.

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2 Comments

  1. Magda says:

    Hello, hello,

    I agree sense of humour is very important in life. Laughing at oneself, at tricky situations helps us carry on (great funny movies by the way 😉

    But so is conversation, if you are with a very beautiful woman or very handsome man, ideally you want to make conversation with them, just having sex with them or looking at them can be boring after a bit if you don ‘t share anything else…

    As per going to the grave, completely “wasted” and having suffered a lot, because one was too extreme I am not sure it is a great idea either…That we have to enjoy life, yes, but smoking, drinking or doing drugs (all kind : medication, grass, cocaine, heroin…) all the time I am not sure that is a good way to go…Everyone is scared to suffer too much and too long, so a quick death is ideally wished for everyone when their time has come to go. That is my opinion, but others will think differently. Take care. Magda

  2. Charlie Garley says:

    Love the Hunter S Thompson quote!

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